Authors : Liyanage D. H.; Dr. H. M. A. Thilakarathna; Dr. M. A. S. C. Samarakoon; Dr. H. B. L. P. Dharmasiri

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/k4ebvun9

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/wpk83cc5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26may2238

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Abstract : Introduction: Occupational conditions of prison employees expose staff to considerable levels of psychosocial stress, shift work, continuous surveillance, incarceration overcrowding, occupational fatigue, and reduced health-promoting activities in lifestyle. Exposure to occupational hazards increases the probability of NCDs, yet the occupational safety and health of prison workers have not been studied adequately in low and middle income countries (LMICs). The current study investigates the prevalence of behavioral and metabolic risk factors of NCDs among prison staff of Sri Lanka. Method: An occupational health screening program performed among prison workers across the country in 2025 involved 19 prisons in Sri Lanka under the Director of Prison Health Services, covering all types of prisons in Sri Lanka. In total, 2,010 prison staff, representing 31.7% of the national prison workforce, received screening, including sociodemographic assessment, behavioral risk assessment, blood pressure determination, diabetes testing, lipids profile testing, renal function, oral health check-up, and breast examination for women prison workers. Descriptive epidemiological data analysis was used, with the following analytical approaches: prevalence estimates, subgroup comparison, and occupational health risks pattern detection. Results: Of prison workers screened, 82% were males, 18% were females, and 81% were 35 years old or above. The most prevalent behavioral risks were physical inactivity (73%), followed by alcohol intake (53%), smoking (24%), and betel chewing (22%) – all being primarily reported among males prison staff. Hypertension affected 26%, diabetes mellitus 14%, hyperlipidaemia 11%, elevated serum creatinine level 3.6% participants, and oral health disease was noted in 58% individuals. Among women, 16% of prison workers had abnormal breast findings. Clustered behavioral and metabolic risk factors appeared to be prevalent in participants aged over 35 and men prisoners. High prevalence of oral health problems was detected among male prison staff (65.7%). These oral health issues might be associated with smoking, betel chewing, and alcohol consumption. Moreover, abnormal breast findings were identified among 15.6% of prison females. Conclusion: Behavioral and metabolic risk factors of NCDs and chronic disease markers are prevalent among prison staff of Sri Lanka which suggests significant occupational health risks for prison workers. Occupational health screening programs, wellness programs at the workplace, psychosocial support initiatives, and health workforce policies should be implemented as a component of NCD control strategy.

Keywords : Occupational Health; Prison Staff; Non-Communicable Diseases; Prison Health Systems; Workforce Health; Hypertension; Diabetes Mellitus; Sri Lanka.

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